Abstract: Disclosed is method of preparing microspheres wherein the microspheres do not increase the self-extinguishing time of a composition they are added to by more than 5% and their presence does not increase a viscosity of the composition by more than 65%. The microspheres are coated with a very high level of from 80 to 90% by weight of a flame retardant, preferably aluminum trihydroxide. Unexpectedly, the presence of the flame retardant on the microspheres at this high level reduces the need to add additional flame retardant to a composition along with the microspheres. Also unexpectedly, the location of the flame retardant on the microspheres completely prevents the normally expected increase in viscosity of the composition based on the level of the flame retardant added. The microspheres find use in many compositions requiring flame resistance including weld through sealants and adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is method of preparing microspheres wherein the microspheres do not increase the self-extinguishing time of a composition they are added to by more than 5% and their presence does not increase a viscosity of the composition by more than 65%. The microspheres are coated with a very high level of from 80 to 90% by weight of a flame retardant, preferably aluminum trihydroxide. Unexpectedly, the presence of the flame retardant on the microspheres at this high level reduces the need to add additional flame retardant to a composition along with the microspheres. Also unexpectedly, the location of the flame retardant on the microspheres completely prevents the normally expected increase in viscosity of the composition based on the level of the flame retardant added. The microspheres find use in many compositions requiring flame resistance including weld through sealants and adhesives.

Abstract: Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions.

Abstract: A microstructure disposed on a surface carried by an object comprising: a first set of microfeatures carried by the object wherein said first set of microfeatures causes the surface of the object to exhibit physical properties differing from physical properties exhibited by a non-microstructured surface; and, a second set of microfeatures carried by said surface wherein said second set of microfeatures causes the surface of the object to exhibit physical properties differing from physical properties exhibited by the non-microstructured surface and by said first set of microfeatures.

Abstract: Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions.